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MCSO eNewsletter
Your 24/7 Human Services
and Public Safety Agency
DECEMBER 2009 |
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During this time of year, I am reminded of what this agency means to me. The agency is a group of people that comes together each and every day for the job we do, but more over for the bonds we have formed with each other. Simply worded, we protect the public but we watch over each other to protect, share, celebrate and console each other when needed. As an agency, we enter the holiday season and reflect on the difficulties and struggles as well as our victories as a family. We have remained close and we have remained strong.
I want to thank you for what you have given to my family and me and for what you do personally and professionally now, and in the future of this agency. It is an honor to be the Sheriff of this remarkable agency and to serve the citizens of Multnomah County.
I would like to thank you for your hard work and wish you all a joyful and safe holiday.
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Santa Doesn't Need a Chimney Around Here
On Friday December 18, 2009, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office held its 21st annual Christmas Party for the Community Transitional School. This year was extra special because last year we had to cancel due to snow and ice.
Eighty-five students ranging from age 5 to 14, arrived at Inverness Jail for entertainment by Juggler Rhys Thomas and Blaze the Blazers Mascot, Pizzas donated by Gateway Izzys and a visit with Santa complete with gifts. For the past month, employees of the Sheriff's Office have been taking names of students off wreaths scattered throughout the agency to find that perfect gift for a child. The gifts were piled so high on the tables, even the adults could not see over them. Deputy Dennis Bryant arrived in a bright red Santa suit and took pictures with each student, as well as some enthusiastic staff.
The day was a huge success, emceed by our own Captain Raimond Adgers. Students were sworn in by Sheriff Dan Staton and led in a boisterous performance of Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer by several Corrections staff, followed up by Wilson High School students singing Jingle Bells.
The Community Transition School's mission is to provide Kindergarten through 8th grade education to the children of homeless families. The mission of the Sheriff's Office is to provide the children a place where Santa can come with clothing and toys for these at-risk kids. Although the Sheriff's Office does not have a chimney, Santa had no trouble finding his way. This is a special opportunity for the Sheriff's Office to give much needed love and support to these kids, and a boost toward breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness that is their norm.
A huge thank you goes out to Local 88, the Multnomah County Corrections Deputies Association, the Multnomah County Enforcement Deputies Association, MCSO SOS Group, Izzy's Pizza at Gateway, Lt. Mary Lindstrand, Sergeant Steve Pina, Lt. Rachel Getman, Captain Rai Adgers, Deputy Dennis Bryant, Captain Monte Reiser, Jennifer Reiser, Jennifer Morrison, Janese Jacobsen, Michelle Sherman and her daughter Stacy, Aramark, Will Schwarz, Judges LaMar and Nelson along with the other Multnomah County Judges, the Wilson High School Leadership students, the Transport Unit, and all of the MCSO employees who donated gifts, time, and bikes. If anyone has been overlooked, please let us know. All of you made this Christmas very special for the children.
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Honoring Four of Our Fallen
A memorial service for the four Lakewood Police Officers, killed in the line of duty earlier in the month, was held on December 12th in Tacoma, Washington. Eight members of the Sheriff's Office Honor Guard as well as several Enforcement Deputies and Reserve Deputies were in attendance as part of an estimated 20,000 uniformed law enforcement officers present.
The groups first stop would be Lakewood, Wa, to drive by a memorial set up outside the Lakewood Police Department. Deputy Harris described the scene as, "a string of emergency vehicles, all with their lights flashing, that lasted as far as the eye could see." Hundreds of northbound vehicles paraded through town as one by one, they slowly made their way past the memorial. After paying their respects outside the police station, the long line of vehicles proceeded back to the freeway. Harris was still trying to process the myriad of thoughts provoked by the outpouring of community and outside agency support as they rounded the corner leading onto the freeway. Harris was taken aback as he noticed a line of vehicles coming from the south that lasted for miles; each one paying homage with its flashing lights. The hundreds of cars seen in the city of Lakewood were merely a portion of the thousands of vehicles that converged on the tarmac of the McChord Air Force Base.
A lengthy procession led from McChord Air Force Base to the Tacoma Dome, where the memorial service was held. Deputy Bickford explained the memorial service as a moving tribute to the lives and families of the fallen officers.
Honor Guards from across the country and Canada were part of a beautifully orchestrated service that incorporated ceremonial traditions and personal eulogies for each of the four officers. Deputy Wheeler, who also attended the memorial service of four Oakland, Ca officers killed in the line of duty last March, said it was very touching to see such a strong show of support for the officers and their families. Wheeler indicated juxtaposing the two funerals was difficult, but noted this service "seemed to hit even harder because it was so close to home."
While tragic circumstances often prelude dispatching the Sheriff's Honor Guard, there is no greater privilege for the members of the team, than representing the men and women of our agency in another community's time of need.
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Oregon's New Cell Phone Law
Remember January 1, 2010 begins enforcement of Oregon's new cell phone law; "Operating a Motor Vehicle While Using a Mobile Communication Device"
House Bill 2377 amended ORS 811.507 to ban the use of mobile communication devices with some exceptions.
The new law, a class D traffic violation with a minimum base fine of $142.00, is effective January 1, 2010 and is a primary offense, meaning that a police officer may stop a driver solely for using a cell phone without using a hands-free accessory. For purposes of the new law, "mobile communication device" is defined as a text messaging device or a wireless, two-way communication device designed to receive and transmit voice or text communication.
Exceptions provided in the law are:
�A person who is summoning medical or other emergency help if no other person in the vehicle is capable of summoning help;
�A person using a mobile communication device for the purpose of farming or agricultural operations;
�A person operating an ambulance or emergency vehicle;
�A person 18 years of age or older who is using a hands-free accessory (a device that when used allows the driver to maintain both hands on the steering wheel);
�A person operating a motor vehicle while providing public safety services or emergency services as a volunteer;
�A person operating a motor vehicle while acting in the scope of the person's employment as a public safety officer, as defined in ORS 348.270;
�A person operating a motor vehicle in the scope of the person's employment if operation of the motor vehicle is necessary for the person's job;
�A person activating or deactivating the mobile communication device or a function of the device (note: dialing is considered the same as texting and is not a "function of the device);
�A person who holds a valid amateur radio operator license issued or any other license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and is operating an amateur radio;
�A person who operates a two-way radio device that transmits radio communication transmitted by a station operating on an authorized frequency within the citizens' or family radio service bands in accordance with rules of the Federal Communications Commission;
�A person using a function of the mobile communication device that allows for only one-way voice communication while the person is:
1.Operating a motor vehicle in the scope of the person's employment;
2.Providing transit services to persons with disabilities or to senior citizens; or
3.Participating in public safety or emergency service activities.
Traveling? Here is a list of Countries and States that Ban Cell Phones while driving |
Christmas is for the children .... from 0 to 92.....
"If you could have seen the smiles, They were HUGE!", remarked Rhoda English who spearheaded a donation drive for residents of Menlo Park in Multnomah County. The celebration was complete with Santa, his sleigh, a few elves, a Grinch and all the smiles you could imagine.
Santa brought gifts to residents who could not make it to the recreational room. A resident, who has the use of only one arm had a volunteer assist him to open gifts. When his gift was opened showing new handkerchiefs, there were tears in his eyes as he exclaimed, "just what I asked for!"
There were a lots of comfy sweat pants, and matching hoodys, coats, robes, slippers and lotion, but things like a kitten calendar or a table top Christmas tree was such a delight. One adoptee had virtually nothing as she came there homeless. Her adoptive family was exceptionally generous, and her smiles and emotion said it all. Thank you all for your participation in this celebration of life for those who have little and many who have no family. With your help, you made their holiday much more special. A special thank you to Rhoda English of Close Street, Ginger Suda of LE Records, Chaplain Janice Beeghly, Kim Stidum of Property, Sgt. Moaning, Sgt Olsen and Lt. Lindstrand and Julie Long.
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On Thursday December 17,2009 Commissioner McKeel honored our River Patrol Unit for their Oregon State Marine Board awards and accomplishments. These awards were initially presented to the River Patrol Unit in October at the Law Enforcement Conference in Bend Oregon.
As part of Proclamation No. 09-152 states;
Congratulations to the River Patrol for all your hard work this past year!
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Warrant Strike Team Updates
Performance Measures forNovember 2009
Warrant Service Attempts 116
Warrant Arrests 24
Non-Multnomah County Warrant Arrests 10
Warrants Served 29
Warrant Attempts and Arrests 140
Additional Information:
Follow the MCSO Warrant Strike Team on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MCSOWST for up to the minute arrest updates and details!
Strike Team members arrested Rich, Scott on a California sex offense warrant (involving a minor) at his residence in Wood Village. An illegal marijuana grow operation was discovered along with an illegally modified firearm. MCSO SIU responded to assist with the narcotics/weapons investigation. http://www.koinlocal6.com/news/local/story/Cops-Net-Wanted-Child-Molestor-Guns-Drugs/cABAuvheEEmaN9mQecAopg.cspx
Strike Team members arrested Berdugo, Ernest for charges of arson I and animal abuse I in SW Portland. Berdugo was on Close Street Supervision.
Strike Team members arrested Waite, Gary for charges of theft I x7, ID theft x13, and unlawful use of a computer x4 in SW Portland. Waite was arrested shortly after an interview he had with a local news channel and was on Close Street Supervision. http://www.kptv.com/news/21651692/detail.html
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TRAFFIC SAFETY CORNER
So now that you've followed the previous advice regarding preparing your vehicle and pre-planning your winter travel trips, here are some additional reminders from previous articles and a bit of new information in case you do break down on your way.
SOME WINTER EXTRAS
As a reminder, like bundling up in added layers of clothing, here are a few items to add to your vehicle's emergency supplies for winter travel:
- Tire chains that fit (practice putting them on if you can)
- Snow shovel (full sized or collapsible)
- Airtight container of ice melter (plastic coffee can works well)
- Leather or work gloves, spare warm gloves/mittens, plus consider extra warm clothing.
- Small tarp or closed foam pad (to lie down on the snow without getting too wet)
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Water
- Emergency food (don't snack on it as you drive, its for emergencies).
- Flashlights with fresh batteries
- Cell phone car charger. Keep your cell phone plugged in unless its an emergency
PLAN AND LET SOMEONE KNOW
It's been said before in previous articles, but plan ahead, stick to your plan, and let somebody know what you are doing. Especially if traveling when winter conditions are forecast, stick to main highways and roads where possible. Finally, make sure you call your contact to let them know you've arrived safely. Just as important, before setting off make sure your contact knows what to do if they do not hear from you by your estimated time of arrival.
TAKE YOUR TIME
Whether due to weather or backed up traffic, count on at least double the time to reach your destination as you would take in non-winter conditions. Take it nice, easy, slow, and anticipate well ahead of time when accelerating, braking, turning, or otherwise changing the direction or movement of your vehicle.
KEEP INFORMED
Check the weather forecasts prior to leaving, and stay tuned to a station that has weather information if traveling any distance in winter conditions, especially if they are forecast to worsen as you go. Keep alert for signs that tell you to tune into a radio channel to get localized weather advisory information. Especially in the dark, if conditions worsen to the point where you are having trouble seeing or staying on the road, it may be advisable to find lodging for the evening and give it another go in the morning.
Most importantly, HEED ALL WARNINGS. If a roadway is closed DO NOT attempt to travel on it regardless of how you are equipped or how experienced you are in driving in adverse conditions. Roadways are closed because travel on them has reached such a hazardous level that it is dangerous for emergency responders to attempt.
WHAT IF I BREAK DOWN?
If the unforeseen happens and you either break down or find yourself unable to proceed, there are two main issues that you will need to address sooner than later:
- BE SEEN
Put out a flare behind your vehicle, put up your reflective triangles, tie something bright and reflective onto your antenna, do whatever you can to be seen by other traffic and any potential rescuers. If you can run your vehicle intermittently, keep your emergency flashers on while your vehicle is running.
- FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG
Decide early on whether your problem is mechanical or environmental. Unless you know how to fix a mechanical problem with your vehicle, don't waste your time. If you are simply stuck in the snow you may have the ability to dig yourself out, put on chains, or otherwise take measures to get yourself going again.
- ALERT SOMEBODY THAT YOU NEED HELP
If you have cell reception, being stranded in extreme winter conditions with a non-functioning vehicle is a life threatening situation; call 911 for assistance. If your vehicle runs but you are stuck, call non-emergency. If you do not have cell reception, you will need to be able to take care of your situation until your contact person initiates an emergency response to find you because you have not arrived as anticipated.
- STAY PUT AND STAY WARM
If you cannot move your vehicle, in most circumstances, you are better off staying with it and sheltering in place even if your vehicle is not running. If your vehicle does run, as a rule of thumb turn on the motor for 10 minutes for every hour you are stuck. If you are forced to leave your vehicle, make sure to leave a prominent note in it as to who you are, who is with you, and what direction you intend to travel. Stay on or near the roadway and be visible.
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January 30, 2010
For More information Click HERE |
Congratulations to Two of Our New Deputies
"The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to announce Deputy Jennifer Valenti as the recipient of the Defensive Tactics Award for Basic Corrections Local Class #BCL001. This award is presented to the individual who excels in the area of defensive tactics."
Congratulations Deputy Valenti on your excellent work and a great accomplishment.
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"The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is proud to announce Deputy Juan Roldan as the recipient of the Excellence in Physical Fitness Award for Basic Corrections Local Class #BCL001. This award is presented to the individual who excels in the area of physical fitness."
Congratulations Deputy Roldan on your excellent work and a great accomplishment. |
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Do You Recognize Me?
We are trying to identify some faces in this picture. Do you recognize someone? Are YOU in this picture? We would love to hear from you. Please email us or call 503-988-4307. |
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Stats and Facts
Last month, surveillance cameras in a Chicago area coffee shop captured video of a woman with two children, walking by a purse hanging on the back of a chair. What the camera had a hard time recording was the pickpocket that took place at that exact moment. The children shielded the scene from witnesses. The woman removed the victim's wallet from her purse...
Anyone can be the victim of a pickpocket. Federal Reserve Board chairman Ben Bernanke was the victim of a very tech-savvy pickpocket/ purse snatching gang, which resulted in additional crimes of bank fraud and identity theft.
It's a good rule all year, but even more relevant during the holiday shopping and travel season: keep your personal belongings secure and remain vigilant.
Pickpockets like both crowded and deserted areas. In crowds, such as on the MAX, strangers are often forced to press against one another. This can leave a potential "mark," or target, vulnerable. Or in less crowded areas, pickpockets may work in groups, distracting victims with arguments, dropped items, a need for help, or an "accidental" bump.
In 2008, the Portland Police and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office received 88 reports from victims being pickpocketed and 61 reports of pursesnatchings. In the first 11 months of 2009, there were 67 pickpockets and 39 pursesnatches reported. Keep in mind that these numbers represent only a portion of the actual number of crimes. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics only 34% of thefts are reported to the police.
Although losing the ability to enjoy the spirit of giving during the holidays would be unfortunate, losing your identity to a high-tech pickpocket could be much more costly. |
New Multnomah County Records Rocky Butte Jail Exhibit
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A new Multnomah County Records exhibit about the defunct Rocky Butte Jail opened on December 9 in the Multnomah Building lobby, at 501 SE Hawthorne in Portland. The opening of the exhibit included a performance of the original composition "Rocky Butte Blues" by local blues musician Del Goldfarb.
The exhibit, "Doing Time: Rocky Butte Vignettes," features four stories from people who served time at the jail, which closed in 1983. The exhibit will be open to the public for the next four months. |
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; recent news articles or updates you may have missed.
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The Sheriff' Office wishes you and your families,
a joyful and safe Holiday Season.
See You Next Year!!
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| Your opinions, questions and concerns are important to us. If you would like to comment on any of MCSO service(s), or any article you have read in this newsletter please click HERE. Or Email us HERE |
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